Creosote, Bainbridge Island, Washington facts for kids

Creosote was once a small community located on Bainbridge Island, Washington. It was right next to Eagle Harbor, a busy waterway. You could easily see Creosote from Winslow, which is the main town on Bainbridge Island.

What Was Creosote?

The area we call Creosote today was first named Eagle Harbor back in 1886. It was a small community on the southern side of the entrance to Eagle Harbor. The land was near other communities like Bill Point and Eagledale.

A Name Change: From Eagle Harbor to Creosote

In 1908, the community's name changed from Eagle Harbor to Creosote. This new name came from a big factory nearby called the Wyckoff Company. This company made and used a special chemical called creosote.

What is Creosote?

Creosote is a type of oil that comes from wood tar or coal tar. It was often used to protect wood from rotting, especially for things like railroad ties and telephone poles. The Wyckoff Company used a lot of this chemical, which led to the area being renamed after it.

Today: Pritchard Park and Environmental Cleanup

The old factory site where the Wyckoff Company once stood is now a city park called Pritchard Park. Because of the chemicals used there for many years, the ground and water needed to be cleaned up. This cleanup is happening under a special program called Superfund.

What is Superfund?

The Superfund program is run by the United States government. Its job is to clean up places that have become polluted by dangerous waste. The goal is to make these areas safe for people and the environment again. The cleanup at Pritchard Park is helping to restore the land for everyone to enjoy.